Chandler high cuts chronic absenteeism by five points in one year

Campus-wide changes and stronger family outreach credited for turnaround

Chronic absenteeism in Arizona high schools has reached what education leaders call a breaking point, with nearly one in three students missing enough class to threaten graduation.

While a recent Helios report shows absence rates remain near historic highs, a debate rages on whether the solution lies in building stronger community support or enforcing tougher attendance rules.

Dr. Paul Perrault, senior vice president of community impact and learning for Helios , said punitive approaches are often ineffective.

“Failing students for missing school doesn’t solve the problem," Perrault said. "We need mechanisms that encourage student attendance by addressing the real barriers families face.”

“Parents often don’t